This FAQ has been created to help answer questions that may be top of mind for members and user groups during the H2O RFP process.
Read on below, or download a print-friendly PDF.
For additional questions not answered within, please feel free to email YExperience@ymcasibc.ca
General Questions
The City periodically reviews major service contracts like H2O to ensure it is receiving strong value, service quality, and long-term sustainability. An RFP is a standard process for evaluating the best operating model.
The exact timeline will be set by the City. Processes of this scale typically take several months to allow for proposal development, evaluation, and decision making.
The final decision timeline will be determined by the City.
No. An RFP is a normal process. We continue to have a strong working partnership with the City and remain focused on delivering high-quality service.
Yes. The YMCA continues to operate H2O and remains focused on providing safe, high quality, service to the community.
The Y will continue operating under our current agreement while the City completes the RFP Process, and through to the end of 2028. The successful proponent of the RFP will commence operations in January of 2029.
Yes, the Y is planning on submitting a strong, competitive proposal.
We are focused on submitting a strong proposal. Any future scenario will be managed responsibly in partnership with the City and with consideration for staff members, and the community.
Questions from Members and User Groups
Yes, H2O will remain open and continue operating normally.
No changes are anticipated during the RFP process. Operations will continue as usual.
H2O will continue to operate as a public facility. Any changes to membership structure or policies would be determined through the City’s process.
H2O is a major community asset that supports water safety, health, recreation and social connection. It is where children learn to swim, seniors stay active, families spend time together and people across the community access programs that support belonging and wellbeing.
We will continue to share updates through appropriate channels as the process moves forward. Our priority is to keep members and user groups informed while respecting the integrity of the City’s process.